OEtymD: "confuse," 1873, from be- + fuddle; originally "to confuse with strong drink or opium" (by 1832). An earlier word in the same sense was begunk (1725). Related: Befuddled; befuddling.fuddle (v.) 1580s, originally "to get drunk," later "to confuse as though with drink" (c.1600), of uncertain origin, perhaps from Low German fuddeln "work in a slovenly manner (as if drunk)," from fuddle "worthless cloth." The more common derivative befuddle appeared 1887. Related: Fuddled; fuddling.